Read the original article on Soiree. Interior designer Kaki Hockersmith did a redesign of the inside of the White House more than a decade ago, and now she’s designing Little Rock’s hottest new club restaurant. During the Clinton administration, Hockersmith’s remodel included the Oval Office and The State Dining Room, and she’s known for her Victorian flair — which will be a perfect fit for the design of The 1836 Club. “Once complete, The 1836 Club will have a 19th century flair reflective of the early years of Arkansas statehood, particularly the Reconstruction era,” Hockersmith said. “Rich colors, beautiful woods and sumptuous fabrics will create a cozy environment throughout the historic house. Artwork related to the period will decorate the walls, and a tasteful mix of modern and period furnishings will make the members feel at home.” The Founders of the club talked to our sister publication, Arkansas Business, so we’ve got the inside scoop. The 1836 Club will be at 1406 Cantrell Road, in what you probably know as the old Packet House. “She’s fantastic, but it slowed us down some because she’s meticulous, so we’re probably looking at the middle of April” for the club’s opening, State Sen. Jeremy Hutchinson told Arkansas Business. The deadline to apply to be a charter member of the club is Tuesday, March 15, and they’re hoping for 300 to start out. Monthly dues are $250. Read the original article on Soiree.
Read the original article “An Intimate Look Inside Little Rock’s Enigmatic 1836 Club” by Kat Robinson at Arkansas Times. There’s been a lot of eyes on the old Packet House recently, especially with the announcement that Little Rock star chef Donnie Ferneau was headed to its kitchen. Today, Grav and I got a chance to see inside The 1836 Club at a special preview. This building, the former McDonald-Wait-Newton House, was built in 1869 by Alexander McDonald on Lincoln Avenue, what was then known as Carpetbagger’s Row. McDonald was the first Republican to hold a U.S. Senate seat from Arkansas. The formerly white interior of the three story edifice is now bathed in browns and tans, thanks to designer Kaki Hockersmith. A Soos glass illuminated backbar bathes liquor and bar patrons with golden light. Lush oil reproductions of famous painting adorn flat paint walls with deep wood trims. Victorian-style light fixtures, overstuffed chairs and benches, marble fireplaces and historical photographs from Little Rock’s early and political history give the facility the air of a 19th century men’s club. Upstairs, the Pilot’s Club offers a bar designed from a slice of jet fuselage, its top a miniature Adams’ Field of a runway. A cigar vault is tucked into the back of Churchill’s at the 1836 Club, a smoking lounge packed wall-to-wall with newspaper clippings and leather furniture. The ventilation system for said room pulls air in but not out, keeping the smoke within its door. Patrons of the bar can rent one of the alcohol lockers below the front stair for their stash. The initial offering is for 300 memberships to this club, which will be open Monday-Friday 4-11 p.m. and will be available for weddings and other social functions on the weekend. Executive Chef Donnie Ferneau joined us briefly at the beginning of our visit with an inspired osso buco wonton served with a seared divers scallop, then sent out a selection of items once we were seated in the main dining room. His signature house salad is still on-hand, though this afternoon he added avocado for what he mentioned was “good fat.” He followed up with a beef short rib braised in red wine served atop a pile of War Eagle Mill yellow corn grits, with a slice of squash to boot. Ferneau mentioned that he’ll be going back to traditional cooking methods for this enterprise, to honor this historic 19th century property. He also shared his commitment to utilize as much local food as possible in this endeavor. And he pointed out that all pastry would be made by Amanda Ivy, who charmed us with a slice of her triple chocolate cake (so rich, I could have used a pint of milk) before we left. Ferneau did mention that he’ll be working with Kelli Marks, formerly of Sweet Love Bakery, for weddings and other social interactions requiring cakes. Most guests will never travel up those stairs, since the second story is reserved for members only. But the facility is gorgeous, and if you get the opportunity, you really should take a look. For more images of the 1836 Club, see Kat’s instagram. Read the original article “An Intimate Look Inside Little Rock’s Enigmatic 1836 Club” by Kat Robinson at Arkansas Times.
